The Voice of Cleo Sol
Cleo Sol is an artist truly deserving of the title. Her music transcends the label of a beautifully orchestrated soundtrack and is better described as art brought to life. With a unique blend of the smoothest melodies and an unforgettable voice, Cleo Sol enchants her audience, leading them on an introspective journey as they absorb her powerful lyrics set against the most harmonious tones.
Many artists are blessed with beautiful, harmonious voices, but Cleo Sol stands apart as one whose gift exceeds that of most. Her voice, breathtakingly stunning, leaves an indelible mark on the mind. Like drifting along a river of honey, with a light dusting of gold—ethereal and otherworldly, her voice is simply unforgettable. Cleo Sol is a singer-songwriter who focuses on a blend of soulful, introspective music, weaving together neo-soul, jazz, and R&B. If her voice or the melodies don’t captivate you, her lyrics certainly will. Her innovative musical style is accompanied by deeply reflective lyrics that explore the intricacies of the human mind.
Who is Cleo Sol? Born Cleopatra Nikolic, Cleo Sol is a British singer and songwriter of Serbian and Jamaican descent, raised in West London. Music was ever-present in her childhood home, with the sounds of reggae, soul, and jazz filling the air. Cleo began performing in local talent shows and gained exposure through collaborations with various UK artists. She provided the smooth, soulful vocals on Tinie Tempah’s 2010 hit single Tears, and worked with UK producer Davinchie, whose foundation in R&B allowed her to further explore the genre. These early collaborations gave her a solid start in the industry, helping her find her own unique voice by blending elements from different genres.
And find it, she did. Her debut album, Rose in the Dark (2020), was met with widespread acclaim. The album was celebrated for its introspective lyrics and soothing production. Songs like When I’m in Your Arms and Why Don’t You not only showcase her impressive vocal warmth but also take listeners on a journey of self-exploration. Her follow-up album, Mother (2021), delves into deeply personal themes, exploring motherhood, identity, and growth. Cleo’s lyrics are as impressive as her vocals, touching on the depth of human experiences. Her music explores themes of love, self-reflection, and personal growth, creating a powerful emotional journey for listeners. Cleo is also a member of the musical collective SAULT, which emerged in 2019. SAULT is known for blending genres like soul, funk, Afrobeat, R&B, and post-punk, while addressing socio-political issues such as racial injustice, identity, and empowerment. The group pushes musical boundaries with elegance and purpose. Cleo herself has produced a number of music videos to accompany her songs. One of the most notable is the video for her song Sweet Blue, where Cleo, dressed in a flowing outfit, dances gracefully through a room, aligning with the song's dreamy tones. The video creates an intimate and emotional narrative, adding to the ethereal, otherworldly atmosphere of her music.
via IG @gyallikeclee
What we are seeing is just the beginning for Cleo Sol. Her career is gaining momentum as more people fall in love with her sensual music and captivating lyrics. Fans are eagerly anticipating new solo projects, excited to see where her unique voice and style will take her next. How will her collaborative work evolve, and how will she continue to merge various genres? Personally, I find myself waiting patiently, enveloped in the overwhelming calm and lightness her voice brings, flowing from room to room. Her music is a companion in life’s most serene moments—whether I’m out for a stroll, relaxing in a bath, or focusing while studying. How will her music blend into your daily life, and in which moments will you choose to surround yourself with her beautiful, calming voice?
